When we have recently been counting our blessings, those of us who work for North Hills get to count this school as one of our greatest blessings.  A few weeks ago, I asked our faculty and staff members to answer the question, “Why are you thankful for North Hills?”  Overwhelmingly, the answers included the words “family” and “love.”  It is our hope and prayer that all who are part of this ministry (our staff, our students, their families, alumni, and supporters) will feel like they are a valued part of the North Hills family.  But tucked inside the responses were the following remarks:

“I am most grateful for the love and caring that the leadership, faculty and staff show each and every day to our students, families, and to each other, and for the freedom we have to exalt Christ’s name and exhibit His characteristics.”

“I am most grateful that at NHCS, hearts are valued just as greatly as minds are - and that God has brought in staff and administration gifted in navigating issues of the heart.”

“I’m most grateful to have a Christ-centered community of teachers and staff members that pray for one another and encourage each other.  I’m grateful that the Lord is with us and for us in all that we do, and that His promises are always true and reliable.”

“I am most grateful that my faith can be a major part of my work life, that my coworkers share my faith, and that together we can share God’s love and faithfulness with our students and their families.”

“I am thankful that we have this earthly experience of what the body of Christ is supposed to be like - where there is unity in diversity.  God has equipped us with people of all kinds, each with their unique gifts and abilities to add to the body.”

Years ago, when North Hills was a church as well as a school, Sunday evening services would end with the following song by Bill Gaither:

“I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. 

I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.

Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod.

For I’m part of the family, the family of God.”

Thank you, God, for our North Hills family.  What a blessing!

Minds:
If you are part of the NHCS family, think about the reasons you have to thank God for this ministry.  What would you say are the reasons you are grateful for NHCS?

Hearts: 
Thank God for the impact this ministry has made on your life or on the lives of those you love.